Matt Mignanelli: Transformative Illuminations

Date
19 August 2010

Energy, pattern, light and emotion are the things that Matt Mignanelli cites as his inspirations, and taking a look through some crisp preview work from his upcoming show in San Francisco more than backs that up. Matt’s show Transformative Illusions opens tomorrow on the west coast, and we spoke to Matt to find out a little more about what we can expect.

Hi Matt, your new show ‘Transformative Illusions’ takes you from your native east coast out to the west – can we expect to see your usual brand of geometric and organic juxtaposition?

Yes the new show is taking me to San Francisco. I’m really excited to be heading out west, I love San Francisco and find myself going back again and again. The city just has a great vibe to it and lots of life! The new works do consist of the geometric patterning and organic forms, but pushed further. In this newest body of work I’ve really begun to focus in on and explore more light and how it interacts within these spaces, amongst the structural elements.

Your work is very two dimensional, and looks great on screen, what’s the benefit of hanging it in a gallery environment?

While I do think that certain aspects of the work can translate well digitally, others get lost completely. Surface texture and craftsmanship can never truly translate through the screen, and those aspects make up so much of my process. To stand before a piece in person is an entirely different experience with these works, and the gallery offers the setting in which people can have that interaction.

How do you make your work? Is it all rendered on the computer? Or are we looking at hand drawn shapes?

It all starts with a hand drawn pencil sketch, not a design rendered on the computer. I’ve been working on birch panel for years now and love the wood surface once it’s primed, I use industrial primer and sand it down very smooth before I start. I will use rulers to lay down the pencil lines, but will never tape, all of the painting is done entirely free hand. I paint with a mix of acrylics and latex house paints. After I’m finished with a piece I use a polyurethane gloss coat on the work, creating an almost glass-like surface.

I’ve just seen your client list and it’s longer than my arm! Who would you like to add to that list?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great people and love being able to work as an artist full-time. As I progress forward in my career I’d love to collaborate with more clients who really push the envelope. It’s always great to be part of a groundbreaking / trendsetting project. Another aspect I’ll look to expand is the opportunity to create more murals. I love the transformation of space through color, and feel that’s a direction that holds promise for me.

Matt Mignanelli: Transformative Illuminations
Opening reception Friday August 20, 8 – 11pm
Medicine Agency
1262 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

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About the Author

Alex Bec

Alex joined as director in 2008 and oversees the commercial side of The HudsonBec Group which includes It's Nice That, Anyways, Lecture in Progress and If You Could Jobs. Contact him to discuss working with us on sponsored content, commercial partnerships, media partnerships and commissioning work.

alex@thehudsonbecgroup.com

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